Selecting the appropriate vehicle for your philanthropic giving is as important as the issue(s) you decide to support.

Have you ever wished you could reduce cost, simplify the paperwork and reporting of your private foundation without sacrificing the effectiveness of your grantmaking? Then establishing a fund in the Long Island Community Foundation may be worth your consideration.

Here are some of the advantages of giving through a fund in a community foundation:

• Funds are flexible and enable you to select your level of involvement in the grantmaking process
• Eliminates annual preparation and filing of IRS tax returns and the expense of an independent audit
• Investment income is not subject to 1% - 2% excise tax
• Eliminates the annual 5% net worth minimum distribution requirement
• Affords the option to give anonymously
• Provides privacy concerning the value of your fund; your charitable distributions are not required to be listed publicly
• Offers full access to a professional staff that is responsive to your needs
• Supplies opportunities to engage in learning modules that provide information on specific issues to improve the impact and effectiveness of your charitable giving
• Presents occasion to collaborate with other donors with a common interest or cause
• Establishes a permanent legacy that will be well managed into perpetuity
• Grants the highest available tax deductions for charitable contributions, including the donation of long term appreciated assets at fair market value with no capital gains tax
• No penalty taxes for excess business holdings or self dealing

Establishing a fund at your local community foundation is easier and can be more cost effective than operating a private foundation. The Long Island Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Trust, handles the research, evaluation, recordkeeping, accounting, investment management and more. You can rest assured that your fund is invested and managed wisely by The New York Community Trust—one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the country with more than $2 billion in assets.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits a fund can offer, please feel free to contact David Okorn at 516-348-0575 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fund vs. Foundation Benefits Comparison